During the 1990s, casinos increasingly used technology to monitor the casino floor and games. Casinos now routinely monitor players’ wagers through video cameras and computers. “Chip tracking” involves using betting chips with built-in microcircuitry to keep track of minute-by-minute wagers. Roulette wheels are also regularly monitored to detect statistical deviations. Enclosed versions of many games now let players place their bets with the push of a button.
Many casinos have developed formulas to determine which customers are most likely to become repeat customers. These calculations are based on the amount of money each gambler has wagered. Casinos that have a high customer retention rate are known as “whales.” This means that they spend a lot of money on marketing to them. These customers make up the majority of casino revenue. But why does this strategy work? According to NYU professor Lissy Friedman, casinos have an internal system to predict which customers are most likely to become repeat customers.
One way to detect cheating in a casino is to watch the casino floor and observe the casino employees at work. Dealers are usually focused on their own games, so they can easily spot a person who is trying to cheat. Other employees, like pit bosses and table managers, are watching the gaming floor. They look for unusual betting patterns. These patterns can help casino security officials identify potential criminals. A casino’s security system also involves sophisticated surveillance systems.